2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R SpecV review from North America
"Reliable, safe, fast, and fun"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The front end paint was chipped. Overall, the paint is very easily damaged.
The brakes throw a lot of brake dust onto the rims. I washed the car twice a week because of it.
Car threw a check engine code, turns out I didn't put the gas cap on properly.
The 6 speed transmission has to be seriously babied until it warms up. Then it's smooth as butter.
The rear end is ugly!!!
General comments?
The car has plenty of power in the city and passing on the highway.
The car has an awesome heater in the winter. I've never owned a car that heats up that quickly, and living thru Canadian winters was much more tolerable. It does need winter tires though.
The car corners great, but gives a rough ride mainly due to the low profile tires. During winter with higher ratio tires, the ride was a lot nicer.
Decent gas mileage. 23-25 city, 29+ highway. (Premium fuel, but runs fine on regular)
I t-boned an old man in this car and wrote it off. I was travelling 60 km/h when I hit him, and I walked away without a scratch, bruise, or even a sore muscle. I was surprised that this small car would let me walk away from an accident like that.
These cars are durable if not abused.
Recommended reviews
![]() ![]() | 2003 - Sentra SER Spec - v 2.5L So very disappointed |
![]() ![]() | 2002 - Sentra SE-R Spec V 2.5-Liter I-4 This is one AWESOME Nissan! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 4 cylinder Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 39000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 65000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Dodge Colt |
| Date of Entry | 5th December, 2005 |

